In the context of phenomena, “aeolian” refers to physical processes and resulting features driven by the action of wind on unconsolidated or loosely consolidated surface materials, primarily sediments. Aeolian phenomena encompass erosion (deflation and abrasion), transport (suspension, saltation, and surface creep), and deposition, leading to landforms such as dunes, loess deposits, and ripples. These processes are governed by factors including wind velocity and variability, grain-size distribution, surface roughness, moisture content, and vegetation cover. Aeolian dynamics are central to geomorphology and planetary science, contributing to landscape evolution on Earth as well as on other bodies with atmospheres, such as Mars and Titan.
Dust devils are a regular feature on Mars. Just like those found on Earth, these mini whirlwinds form when parts of Mars are warmed by the sun, causing air above the surface to swirl upward and carry dust with it. But in ...
Planetary Sciences
Jul 5, 2026
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The European Space Agency's Mars Express has captured part of Mars's Mamers Valles, a fascinating valley system speckled with brief, tornado-like whirlwinds known as dust devils.
Planetary Sciences
Jun 17, 2026
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Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf and the West Antarctic Ice Sheet may have been far smaller during one of Earth's most recent warm periods, according to a new study that traced the origin of ancient dust preserved in Antarctic ...
Earth Sciences
May 26, 2026
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This view of the Martian surface, captured by NASA's Psyche spacecraft on May 15, 2026, shows streaks that have formed due to wind blowing over impact craters in the Syrtis Major region. The image scale is nearly 1,200 feet ...
Space Exploration
May 20, 2026
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NASA's Perseverance Mars rover used its Mastcam-Z camera to capture this panorama of an area nicknamed "Arbot" on April 5, 2026, the 1,882nd Martian day (sol) of the mission, during the rover's deepest push west beyond Jezero ...
Planetary Sciences
May 18, 2026
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Caltech researchers have identified geological features on Mars that could point to the existence of a long-dried ocean that once covered a third of the Red Planet's surface. The research was conducted by former Caltech postdoctoral ...
Astrobiology
Apr 15, 2026
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Noticeable change on Mars often takes millions of years—but the European Space Agency's Mars Express has captured a blanket of dark ash creeping across the planet in just decades.
Astronomy
Apr 15, 2026
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Research in New Phytologist shows that plants can acquire nutrients not only from the soil but also from atmospheric dust that settles and dissolves on their leaves, releasing elements such as phosphorus and iron.
Plants & Animals
Apr 8, 2026
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36
The search for life on Mars involves the efforts of scientists from many different disciplines. An important aspect of that search is to study Martian sedimentary rocks for information about the planet's environment when ...
Astrobiology
Apr 2, 2026
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Winter winds lofted clouds of dust from the Sahara Desert, carrying it north toward the Mediterranean and dispersing it widely across Europe in March 2026. When the dust combined with moisture-laden weather systems, a dirty ...
Environment
Mar 12, 2026
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